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A 31b. bag of flour contained what the purchaser thought was a mouse. It was rather an unusual
case for the shape of the object produced to the inspector strongly resembled the outline of a
dehydrated mouse. On closer examination, however, it was found that the material was dried dough.
Oxygen bulbs used for inhalation purposes were noted by the complainant to have an unusual
odour. Analysis disclosed this to be a minute amount of trichlorethylene. The manufacturers confirmed
that this substance was used at the factory as a solvent for degreasing the bulbs prior to
filling with oxygen. The serious implications of the offence were drawn to the attention of the
Company.
Legal Proceedings—Food and Food Premises
During the year legal proceedings were taken against the proprietors of two catering premises in
respect of unhygienic conditions. Fines of £190 with £51.5.0d. costs were imposed. Other similar
cases were pending at the close of the year.
The following matters arising from complaints also resulted in legal proceedings.
An investigation made concerning a decomposed sandwich disclosed further sandwiches at the
retail premises affected by rodent droppings. The Company concerned were fined a total of £30 with
£5 costs.
Fresh cream pineapple dessert affected by mould resulted in a fine of £15 with £10 costs.
A bread roll, baked in premises outside Westminster, contained a razor blade. The bakers were
fined £10 with £5.5.0d. costs.
Two complaints regarding confectionery resulted in a visit to the retail premises. Conditions were
found to be very unsatisfactory; indeed, some stock held was 13 years old. Proceedings were taken
in respect of the premises and the infested stock. Fines totalling £205 with 20 gns. costs were imposed
A mouse dropping in a tart, baked at premises outside Westminster, resulted in a fine of £15
with 20 gns. costs.
A steak and kidney pudding was found to be affected by mould, and the offence of offering for
sale other meat products unfit for human consumption resulted in a fine of £100 with £25 costs.
A bread roll, baked at premises outside Westminster, was found to contain a cigarette end; legal
proceedings were instituted and the bakers were fined £25 with 2 gns. costs.
The sale of a decomposing packet of ham, together with the exposure for sale of unfit packets of
meat, resulted in a £75 fine with 25 gns. costs.
A nail found in a buttered bun resulted in a fine of £10 and £5 costs.
Other cases for which legal proceedings had been authorised were awaiting hearing at dates in
the new year.
See Table 25, page 75—Analysis of legal proceedings.
Milk and Dairies (General) Regulations 1959
Under these Regulations a local authority is required to keep a register of persons carrying on the
trade of a distributor of milk at or from premises within their district whether or not such premises
are occupied by the distributor.
At the 31st December 1970, 370 (368) distributors of milk were registered.
Milk (Special Designation) Regulations, 1963 (as amended)
The City Council is responsible for the granting on application of Dealer's Licences in relation to
pre-packed milks sold under the special designations "Untreated", "Ultra Heat Treated",
"Pasteurised" and/or "Sterilised".